Ophiopogon japonicus: a Chinese medicine treasure that nourishes yin and moistens dryness, clears the heart and relieves restlessness, moistens the lungs and relieves coughs
- Hongji Medical Group
- Feb 22
- 6 min read
Ophiopogon japonicus, also known as Yanjiecao and Shudaicao, is a common Chinese herbal medicine, famous for its effects of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, clearing the heart and removing troubles. Ophiopogon japonicus was first seen in Shennong's Herbal Classic, where it was listed as a top-grade herb, saying that it "treats qi stagnation in the heart and abdomen, injuries and fullness, gastric plexus and arterial failure, emaciation and shortness of breath." It is also recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica, saying that Ophiopogon japonicus "can moisten the lungs and relieve coughs, clear the heart and remove troubles, dredge the meridians, strengthen yin and benefit essence."
Ophiopogon japonicus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and its status in traditional Chinese medicine is evident. Doctors of all generations have highly praised it, believing that it has many functions such as nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and eliminating troubles, and unblocking meridians. This article will introduce Ophiopogon japonicus in detail from the origin and evaluation of ancient medical books, plant characteristics, differences between different varieties, indications, efficacy, modern applications and precautions, so that readers can have a more comprehensive understanding of this magical Chinese herbal medicine.
Plant characteristics of Ophiopogon japonicus
Ophiopogon japonicus belongs to the Liliaceae family. Its scientific name is Ophiopogon japonicus. It is a perennial herb. The rhizome of Ophiopogon japonicus is short and spindle-shaped, with many hair roots. The leaves are linear, about 10-30 cm long and about 2-4 mm wide. The leaves are dark green and soft. Ophiopogon japonicus blooms in summer. The inflorescence is racemose, the flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a berry, which is blue-black when ripe. Ophiopogon japonicus likes a warm and humid environment and often grows on hillsides, forest edges, roadsides, etc.
There are many varieties of Ophiopogon japonicus, which can be divided into the following types according to their growth environment and morphological characteristics:
Hangzhou Ophiopogon japonicus : Produced in the Hangzhou area of Zhejiang Province, it has the best quality, large rhizomes, white color, soft texture, and strong moisturizing properties. It is known as the "King of Ophiopogon japonicus".
Sichuan Ophiopogon japonicus : Produced in Sichuan region, it has a small rhizome, slightly yellow in color, hard texture, and slightly poor moisturizing properties, but the medicinal effect is still significant.
Ophiopogon japonicus : Produced in Hunan Province, it has a medium-sized rhizome, grayish-white color, soft texture, strong moisturizing properties, and stable medicinal effects.
Ophiopogon japonicus : Produced in Guizhou, it has a small rhizome, dark yellow color, hard texture, and poor moisturizing properties, but its medicinal effect is still significant.
Different varieties of Ophiopogon japonicus differ in shape, color, texture, etc., but their main ingredients and medicinal effects are basically the same. They all have multiple functions such as nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and relieving troubles, and unblocking the meridians.
Effects of Ophiopogon japonicus
Ophiopogon japonicus is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main indications include:
Yin deficiency and dryness and heat : Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of nourishing Yin and moistening dryness, and is suitable for symptoms such as Yin deficiency and internal heat, dry mouth and tongue, and sore throat.
Heartburn and insomnia : Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of clearing the heart and relieving worries, and is suitable for symptoms such as heartburn, insomnia, palpitations and anxiety.
Dry cough : Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and is suitable for symptoms such as dry cough and little sputum.
Gastrointestinal plexus : Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of clearing the blood vessels and is suitable for symptoms such as gastrointestinal plexus, stomach pain, and bloating.
Emaciation and shortness of breath : Ophiopogon japonicus has the effect of strengthening yin and benefiting essence, and is suitable for symptoms such as emaciation, shortness of breath, physical weakness, etc.
The main effects of Ophiopogon japonicus include nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and removing troubles, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs, unblocking meridians, strengthening yin and benefiting essence, etc. Its medicinal effect is mild, suitable for long-term use, and has a significant nourishing and health-care effect on the human body.
Ophiopogon japonicus dietary therapy
Ophiopogon japonicus is not only a common Chinese herbal medicine, but can also be used to make a variety of dietary recipes, which have many effects such as nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and relieving troubles, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. The following introduces several simple and easy-to-make Ophiopogon japonicus dietary recipes for your reference.
Ophiopogon tea: Ophiopogon tea is a simple and easy-to-make drink that has the effects of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, clearing the heart and removing worries. The preparation method is as follows: Take 10 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus, wash it and put it in a teapot, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, cover it with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes before drinking. Ophiopogon tea is suitable for daily drinking, especially for those with yin deficiency, internal heat, dry mouth, and insomnia.
Ophiopogon porridge: Ophiopogon porridge is a nutritious food therapy that has the effects of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, moistening the lungs and relieving cough. The preparation method is as follows: Take 10 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus and 50 grams of rice, wash them and put them in a pot together, add appropriate amount of water, and cook until the rice is cooked. Ophiopogon porridge is suitable for breakfast or dinner, especially for those with dry cough and little phlegm.
Ophiopogon stewed with pear: Ophiopogon stewed with pear is a yin-nourishing and moistening food therapy recipe, which has the effects of moistening the lungs and relieving coughs, clearing the heart and removing worries. The preparation method is as follows: Take 10 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus, 1 pear, and appropriate amount of rock sugar. Peel and core the pear, cut it into small pieces, put it into a stew pot with Ophiopogon japonicus, add appropriate amount of water and rock sugar, and stew it for 2 hours. Ophiopogon stewed with pear is suitable for consumption in autumn and winter, especially for those with dry lungs, coughs, and dry mouth and tongue.
Modern Applications of Ophiopogon japonicus
With the development of modern medicine, the application scope of Ophiopogon japonicus has been continuously expanded. Its application in modern medicine mainly includes the following aspects:
Health products : Ophiopogon japonicus is widely used in the production of health products, such as Ophiopogon japonicus tea, Ophiopogon japonicus oral liquid, etc. It has the effects of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and relieving troubles, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs. It is suitable for long-term use and has significant nourishing and health-care effects on the human body.
Chinese patent medicine : Ophiopogon japonicus is widely used in the preparation of Chinese patent medicine, such as Ophiopogon japonicus granules, Ophiopogon japonicus tablets, etc. It has the effects of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and relieving troubles, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs, etc. It is suitable for symptoms such as yin deficiency and dryness, heart trouble and insomnia, and dry coughs due to lungs.
Cosmetics : Ophiopogon japonicus is widely used in the production of cosmetics, such as Ophiopogon japonicus facial mask, Ophiopogon japonicus essence, etc. It has the effects of nourishing yin and moisturizing dryness, clearing the heart and relieving troubles, moisturizing the lungs and relieving coughs. It is suitable for all skin types and has significant nourishing and health-care effects on the skin.
Notes
Although Ophiopogon japonicus has many functions, you still need to pay attention to the following points during use:
Overdose : Ophiopogon japonicus has a strong effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness. Overdose may cause symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating. It is recommended to take it according to the dosage prescribed by the doctor or the instructions.
Contraindications : Ophiopogon japonicus is cold in nature. People with weak spleen and stomach, or excessive cold and dampness in the body should not take it to avoid aggravating their condition.
Drug interactions : Ophiopogon japonicus may interact with certain drugs. It is recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist when taking other drugs to avoid affecting the efficacy of the drugs.
Storage method : Ophiopogon japonicus should be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment to avoid affecting the efficacy.
Conclusion
As a common Chinese herbal medicine, Ophiopogon japonicus occupies an important position in traditional Chinese medicine for its multiple functions such as nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing the heart and relieving troubles, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs, unblocking the meridians, strengthening yin and benefiting essence. Through the detailed introduction of the origin and evaluation of ancient medical books on Ophiopogon japonicus, plant characteristics, differences between different varieties, indications, effects, modern applications and precautions, I believe that readers will have a more comprehensive understanding of this magical Chinese herbal medicine. I hope that this article can provide readers with valuable information, so that more people can understand and use Ophiopogon japonicus, and benefit from its multiple health benefits.
Comments